SOUTH BEND — The number of reports of child abuse and neglect determined not to merit further investigation has more than doubled statewide since Indiana's Department of Child Services moved to a centralized call center.

But critics say the centralization, funding cuts and other changes made under Director James Payne have resulted in a reluctance to act appropriately on reports of abuse and neglect.

The South Bend Tribune reports many working in the system say the changes have reduced access to programs for children.

Payne has led an effort to hire and train 800 new case managers and institute more consistent policies and create more systems to review cases. The state also has taken control of the money for child services and changed its pay rates for foster and adoptive parents.